Current Affairs Questions and Answers for Group Discussion 2019

Introduction to the topic on GD topics on current affairs

This is a hot current affair question and answers to it have been collated here. You may start in the following manner.“I would like to give an introduction to the current affairs question related to Pulwama attack. On 14 February 2019, a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying 2500 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber in the Pulwama district, of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The attack resulted in the deaths of 40 CRPF personnel and the attacker. Responsibility for the sly attack was claimed by Pakistan-based Islamist militant (terrorist) group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The perpetrator / attacker was Adil Ahmad Dar, a local from Pulwama district, and an active member of JeM. He rammed a car full of explosives (over 400 kg) into one of the busses of the CRPF convoy.Soon after, Indian defense and security forces were given full freedom by the honorable Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to give a befitting reply for the Pulwama terror attack. On 26 February, 12 Mirage 2000 jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) struck Pakistan and dropped 1,000 kg bombs on JeM camps. Later, Pakistan F-16s entered Indian airspace after which 2 Indian MiG 21 Bisons and 1 Pakistani F-16 jet were destroyed in the fight.”

Group Discussion (GD) points for the Indian airstrike

Of all the latest current affairs questions, the hottest one is on Pulwama attack.You may also start this GD topic on current affairs like this:“Pulwama attack was clearly a spineless and cowardly attack. I condemn the same and would like to pay my heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs. Additionally, I have collated some pointers to speak in favor of the steps taken by India. I would like to throw light on the incident and how our Government and Military had my full support by destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan.”

Further, if the time allows, elaborate on the following points in this or related GD topics on current affairs:

1. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
2. India blamed Pakistan for the attack. The attack demonstrated that Pakistan is a breeding hub of global terrorist groups, criminals and defaulters.
3. BBC News said the involvement of the JeM in the bombing ‘directly links’ Pakistan to the dastardly attack at Pulwama.
4. A Pakistani newspaper, called the assailant a ‘freedom fighter’ who eliminated members of an ‘occupying force’, which confirms a terrorism propaganda and shameful mindset behind the gruesome attack.
5. The National Investigation Agency dispatched a 12-member team to probe the attack, working with the J&K Police, and confirmed the attack’s connection to the JeM.
6. Indian Air Force’s operation has led to the ‘complete destruction’ of the JeM camp in Balakot sector of Pakistan. In retaliation, Pakistan Army violated ceasefire along the LoC.
7. Then Pakistan F-16s entered Indian airspace intending to target Indian military establishments and captured MIG-21 pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman and released a video of our captured IAF pilot.
8. WC Abhinandan had shot down an American manufactured Pakistani F-16 with his MiG 21 Bison. Later, he showed stupendous resilience in Pakistan’s captivity, which has made him a hero in every Indian household.
9. The United States condemned the Pulwama attack and added it would work with India in counterterrorism efforts. USA also poked Pakistan to stop sheltering terrorists.
10. Bangladesh, Bhutan, France, Hungary, Israel, Maldives, Nepal, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and the UAE condemned the attack. The United Nations Secretary-General also condemned the attack.

Group Discussion (GD) points against the Indian airstrike

You may want to begin this or related GD topics on current affairs as:

“Though I am not for the Pulwama attack, I would like to contradict all my friends who have applauded the airstrike by the Indian Air Force. I would like to present my points on this current affair question and answer accordingly.”

1. The Pulwama attack was an example of indoctrination of impressionable minds by the terror outfit.
2. Pakistan denied the allegation of any links to the Pulwama attack multiple times.
3. Over the years, JeM has been steadily recruiting and training Kashmiri youth to spread unrest and terror in the valley. 320 Kashmiri youths including some PhD scholars have become militants since 2017 according to The New Indian Express. This means the attacker was a home-grown terrorist.
4. Pakistan further confirmed that will act against Jaish-e-Muhammad and would assist India in fighting terrorism. There was no need of conducting an airstrike in Balakhot.
5. Pakistan claimed that during the Balakot airstrike, they intercepted IAF jets, who dropped their payloads to quickly return over the Line of Control. No lives were lost.
6. On 27 February, Pakistan Air Force conducted a counter airstrike into Jammu and Kashmir in retaliation for the Indian airstrike the day before.
7. Both Pakistan and India agreed that no damage was caused by Pakistan’s airstrike.
8. An Indian MiG-21 was shot down over Pakistan and its pilot captured. Pakistan released the Indian pilot on 1 March.”

Topic 2: Current Affairs questions and answers on India’s purchase of 15 Chinook and 22 Apache attack helicopters from USA

Introduction to the GD topic on current affairs

This is another hottest GD topics on current affairs and your inputs can begin as:“India received its first batch of 4 Boeing heavy-lift Chinook Helicopters, CH-47F in Gujarat recently. These have been procured from the USA and will add to the heavy-lift capabilities of IAF as well as strengthen India’s defense ties with the USA. The choppers have been manufactured by Boeing, and will be stationed at our Chandigarh air base, which is connected to Siachen and Eastern Ladakh sectors.” This is a great way to introduce this GD topic on current affairs.

Points for the import of US-made choppers as a part of current affairs questions and answers

Procuring the Chinook choppers from the USA has added another feather to IAF’s hat. India is definitely emerging as a global military superpower!

1. The CH-47F Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter and its purchase contract has a 30% price offset clause, which means Boeing (being a foreign company) has to invest back a portion of this deal in India.
2. Chinooks will provide unmatched strategic airlift capability to the Indian armed forces and these choppers will be handy in all the future combat missions against enemies.
3. Having the capacity to carry 10 tons of load, Chinooks can be used for artillery, battlefield resupply and transportation of troops as well as for humanitarian and disaster relief operations (like mass evacuations during calamities).
4. Chinooks carry visibly recognized symbols of the American armed forces, which is a plus. 4 pilots and 4 flight engineers of IAF have received due training by Boeing for operating Chinook helicopters in Delaware USA.
5. 22 Apache AH 64D Longbow helicopters are in line next which are the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters in the world. They feature all-weather and night-fighting capabilities and can target 128 points under a minute, as well as engage with 16. They also have stealth characteristics, advanced sensors and beyond visual range missiles. India will also be acquiring Hellfire missiles and rockets from the US.”

Points against the import of US-made choppers for this GD topic on current affairs

“Procuring the Chinook choppers from the USA is a sheer waste. India should not attempt to become a superpower. Rather the focus should be on reducing the gap between the rich and the poor.”

1. Our Indian government has already spent USD 3 billion to buy 15 Chinook and 22 Apache attack helicopters. That is way too much tax payer’s money.
2. Over the past 10 years, American companies have bagged defense contracts from India worth a whopping $10 billion! It’s a win-win for USA and not for us Indians.
3. Chinook helicopters are already being used by 18 other defense forces around the world. How will their presence in India make any difference?”

The above pointers will help you establish a decent argument for all GD topics on current affairs related to the import of Chinook Choppers from USA.

Topic 3: Abu Dhabi has included Hindi as the third official court language – an interesting GD topic on current affairs

Introduction to the topic

In a landmark decision, Abu Dhabi recently included Hindi as the third official court language after Arabic and English, making it an interesting current affair topic for Group Discussions.

Points for the decision related to a GD topic on current affairs

1. This move will certainly reduce language barriers for Hindi-speaking masses who live in Abu Dhabi as well as in UAE.
2. UAE has a population of about 9 million of which 2/3^rdare immigrants from foreign countries. A major chunk of these immigrants are Indians and this verdict has been welcomed by Indians.

Points against the decision

1. It is nothing great as the Abu Dhabi court did it to help Hindi speakers learn about litigation procedures, their rights on foreign soil and duties.
2. For years, Indians and Hindi speaking public in general have faced a lot of difficulty in UAE due to language barriers.
3. Considering the fact that over 2.6 million Indians are residing on UAE soil, this should have happened earlier. Better late than never.

Topic 4: Swachh Bharat Mission: Is success still at large?

Introduction to this Group Discussion topic on current affairs

This is one of the most intriguing GD topics on current affairs. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or Swachh Bharat Mission is a massive movement that seeks to create a cleaner India, especially urban India free of open defecation. It took off on 2nd October 2014.

Points for Swachh Bharat Mission

Here are some points to help you take a stance for the topic.

“I would like to speak in favor of the current affairs question related to Swachh Bharat Mission. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aims to achieve 100% scientific management of municipal solid waste in 4,041 statutory towns in the country.”

1. This is the first time in Indian history that the Government has taken up sewage management and open defecation so seriously.
2. Modern and scientific municipal solid waste management have been implemented across multiple towns and cities.
3. The Government has constructed over 66 lakh individual household toilets (IHHL), 2.52 lakhs community toilets and 2.56 lakh public toilets under the mission.
4. Currently the public is experiencing a 100% door-to-door collection and scientific management of municipal solid waste (MSW). This is a praiseworthy fete.
5. Further, the government is also ensuring continuous engagement and higher awareness among the citizens through commercials, announcements, drives and events across core city spaces and target areas.

Points against Swachh Bharat Mission

Here are some points to help you take a stance against the GD topic on current affairs.

1. There has been no substantial effect in sanitation issues.
2. Till date, there is no behavioral change regarding healthy sanitation practices.
3. People are still not aware about sanitation and its linkage with public health.
4. Most installed public, community and household toilets under the scheme are defunct in rural and semi-urban areas.
5. Solid waste management is still a huge blur under the mission, especially in semi-urban and rural India.

This is how you can stand your ground while discussing this or related GD topics on current affairs.

Topic 5: Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj

Introduction to GD topics on current affairs, especially revolving around Kumbh Mela

A whole city came up temporarily at Prayagraj for Kumbh Mela 2019. The event spread across 2,500 hectares on the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna.

For Kumbh Mela

Some points to help you speak for the GD topic on current affairs i.e. Kumbh Mela 2019.

1. The UP-state government diverted over Rs 4,200 crore for the preparations for Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
2. In order to facilitate pilgrim transfers in Kumbh Mela 2019, the railways added 800 special trains from various stations of Allahabad district.
3. Additionally, the Railways used artificial intelligence for crowd management. IBM Intelligent Video Analytics was deployed across railway stations and adjoining areas for the task.
4. India being a populated country and this being the largest religious gathering on earth called for the presence of a disease surveillance unit too. The unit kept an eye on the prevalence and pattern of diseases throughout the event.
5. Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) facilitated safe passenger movement for Kumbh Mela.
6. UP Police’s app further helped pilgrims to find their way around, report issues or lodge FIRs during the mela.
7. The government installed more than 1,22,000 toilets ahead of the Kumbh Mela.

Against Kumbh Mela

1. Considering the fact that the UP Government spent 4,200 crores on the mela, I can only say that it is a waste of crucial tax payer’s money.
2. Railways has commissioned 41 projects at a cost of Rs 700 crore for the Kumbh Mela. Did the Indian railway ever do that for daily passengers who commute between cities?

Topic 6: Winner of 2019 Lok Sabha election – A hot GD topic on current affairs

Elections in India are not won only on the basis of actual governance or development. Rather, they are won on the basis of party rallies and fan following. These election rallies and speeches are responsible for creating a wave that gels the masses so as to churn out a cohesive force which backs a single party that turns out to be the winner!

Some interesting facts about 2019 Lok Sabha Elections in India

• According to the Election Commission of India, with 900 million eligible voters across the country, this is the largest election ever seen. Its an increase of 84.3 million voters since the last general election in 2014.
• The 2019 Indian general election was held in 7 phases from 11 April to 19 May 2019.
• BJP or Bharatiya Janata Party won 303 seats furthering a substantial majority and the BJP-led NDA or National Democratic Alliance won 353 seats.
• The Indian National Congress party or INC won 52 seats, and Congress-led United Progressive Alliance won 91 seats in total. Other parties and their alliances won 98 seats.
• Since Congress failed to secure the requisite 10% (55 seats) in Lok Sabha, India remains without an official opposition party in 2019!

.Arguments in favor of INC / Congress / UPA

• The BJP has already suffered a massive loss in Chhattisgarh.
• In Rajasthan also, BJP lost to Congress.
• In Madhya Pradesh also BJP lost to Congress in last election.
• The five states- Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh. Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram, account for 65 Lok Sabha seats. In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 59 out of these 65 seats. The BJP won majority of seats from MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. This does not seem likely in 2019 elections.
• PM Narendra Modi’s chances of getting re-elected in the 2019 elections are no longer “99 per cent”, thanks to demonitization.
• Congress is a lead player too and Rahul Gandhi is leading well against NaMo.
• BJP has lost consistently in rural and urban parts, this indicates a serious flaw in BJP’s positioning.
• Voters in rural areas like farmers, Dalits, tribals, and first-timers are unhappy with the policies of the ruling government.
• The urban middle class and traders are also unhappy with BJP.

Arguments in favor of BJP / NDA  for GD topics on current affairs, questions and answers

• Under BJP’s rule in the last 5 years, India has improved economically. Some notable work done include Insolvency and Bankruptcy code, GST, Jan Dhan Yojana, rural cooking gas, FDI policies, etc.
• Under Modi’s leadership, the nation has been growing at one of the highest GDP rates in the world.
• Though demonetization, which was a blow to the business-class, 99.3% of the currency came back into circulation. However, the lower strata of our society are still coping with the damage caused by this move.
• Implementation of GST has also been very uneven. It has caused major discomfort to traders.
• Since BJP has secured a land slide victory, they are promising a major rise in India’s ranking further in “ease of doing business”. Especially double India’s exports by introducing a single-window compliance procedure. This will be the BJP manifesto.
• Not to forget, in the past 5 years, BJP has achieved considerable feats in terms of defense force operations. Surgical Strikes in PoK and Myanmar & Air strikes in Balakot, Pakistan have been key highlights so far. However, cease-fire violations and unrest in the valley have increased considerably in the tenure of this government. Critics say that BJP has politicized these events to garner more votes.
• Opinion polls were clearly showing that BJP will win. They were in favor of BJP right from the beginning.
• Results of Assembly elections did not impact the outcome of Lok Sabha elections in any manner.
• Majority of opinion polls indicated that Assembly and Lok Sabha elections were far apart.
• For instance, those who voted for Congress in MP and Chhattisgarh would not vote Rahul Gandhi over Narendra Modi in 2019 polls.
• It is a close contest and there is an absence of a major wave in favor of either party.
• Global brokerages were not ready to give up on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP has a bright chance of notching up a simple majority in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
• The Modi factor has the potential to change the political discourse across India in 2019.
• Opinion polls also indicate that PM Modi is way ahead of other politicians in terms if popularity.
• Also, BJP’s vote share in MP and Rajasthan was almost equal to Congress, which emerged victorious.
• Most party leaders are saying that the NDA or National Democratic Alliance will stay intact and retain power at the Centre in 2019 under Modi’s leadership.

Conclusion

“This is not the end or the beginning of either BJP’s or Congress’s poll prospects. Both the parties are strong contenders and have received a strong wake-up call. As winners, BJP has to pull up a new trick to sail through these 5 years after the big win in 2019 Lok Sabha Elections in India. While the ruling party needs to tread carefully, the opposition has to revamp itself from scratch and come back with strong arguments to ensure that the ruling party works effectively. While BJP has an “x-factor” who is our Hon’ble PM Mr. Narendra Modi himself, Congress is no less either.” This is how you can conclude related current affairs questions and answers on elections in India. Hope you found these GD topics on current affairs questions and answers, as well as related questions and answers useful. Feel free to add more points if you want to. This is the way you must approach any GD topic. Start with an introduction and then decide on whether you would like to speak for or against the given topic. Prepare with all the above GD topics on current affairs and succeed in your upcoming GD round. All the best.